Project Dashboard

Status: COMPLETED SCREENING

  • NIRB File No:

    23YN038

  • Application No.:

    125839

  • Project Type:

    Scientific Research

  • Project Name:

    Environmental Behavior of Ammunition Constituents in Arctic Conditions

Completed Screening

Applicant
Primary Contact

Current understanding of small-caliber ammunitions transport processes in permafrost-affected soil and the ability to quantify them is inadequate. An improved understanding of the influence of Arctic conditions such as soil characteristics and especially temperature and light, on the transformation and fate of munition constituents (MC), the long-term trends in levels of MC in different ecological compartments, especially in biota, and a better understanding of the toxicological effects of contaminants on Arctic species, to aid in the design and implementation of monitoring and potential management, if required, is needed. The scope of the project is to perform field work to aid in the assessment of the environmental fate and ecological impact of munitions constituents under the environmental conditions specific to Northern Canada. The five main objectives are: 1) to survey evidence of MC usage and measure their concentrations in soil and surface water using new sampling devices to promote efficiency; 2) to test new field sampling methods to enhance MC recovery; 3) to assess transport parameters from observed quaternary deposits and vegetation cover; 4) to determine the biotransformation potential of MC by local Arctic soil microbial communities and assess respective biotic transformation rates as a function of temperature; and 5) to perform aquatic and terrestrial toxicity tests of MC on ecological receptors representative of the Canadian Arctic macro- and micro-flora. Between July 23-29th, 2023, two DRDC personnel will be deployed to characterize the site located 8 km North of Cambridge Bay. Indications of the presence of MC and transformation products in surface water will be assessed using a multiparameter digital water quality meter. Surface water samples will be collected directly from the site and its surrounding for energetic material, metals, ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH4+), anions and perchlorate analysis. The presence of MC will also be assessed in the soil based on the multi-increment sampling approach. A survey of the site flora will be made to better assess biotransformation potential and enhance relevancy on present laboratory ecotoxicological investigations. A strict assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program will be put in place.VRC is analyzing soil properties as part of a partner agreement study with the National Research Council Canada to make recommendations related to Canadian Armed Force readiness and sustainable training practices in the unique ecological environment of the Arctic.All acquired data will be stored in DRDC’s computers and manage only by the technical Lead/authority of this research. The management plan will reflect DNDs’ directives captured from the Defense Administrative Orders and Directives, DAOD–6000-0.DRDC-VRC requested the support from a member of 1 CRPG to JTF(N) to help locate the site taking the best-known itinerary. Upon request, results will be shared to Nunavut governmental authority.

Assessment Phase / Activity
  • Application screening completed 2023-08-28
  • NOI Issued 2023-08-28
  • SDR Issued 2023-08-28
  • Board voting 2023-08-25
  • Received Comment submissions from Parties: Notice re comments received 2023-08-08
  • Commenting period 2023-08-08
  • Application screening started 2023-07-20
Region
  • Kitikmeot
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